How did you and Cheryl discover each other?

In my heart, I have no doubt it was a God thing. I met Cheryl through one of the gift stores she owned, “Something Different.” Creativity was everywhere—especially in the displays. But what always stayed with me was the heart and warmth, which made it a treat to shop there with friends. Plus, I always came away inspired and full of ideas.

Occasionally I would say to friends, “You know, if I had time to make some art, it would really go well in here!" Even though I didn’t have the time to create art, I could picture it in my mind and heart.

So sometime later, when I had a collection of floor cloths ready for an upcoming art show, I thought, “Well, I have some art now, so maybe I should connect with this place…” Now, I am definitely a behind-the-scenes kind of girl, so this was really out of my comfort zone! Even so, I called and asked to meet with the owner. After that call (and a prayer on the way to the store: “Lord, I'm not sure why I'm led to do this, but it's all in your hands”), I met Cheryl.

We sat on the floor, surrounded by my floor cloths and Cheryl began to flood me with ideas. “Could you paint quotes on our store walls? Designs on the door? Would you illustrate my books?” That was just the beginning….we’ve been working together ever since.

I hope this story inspires you! Just imagine the possibilities in your life...some you haven't even thought of. Take chances. Dream big. Ask God for guidance, (after all, He knows what suits you best and makes your heart sing!) I wish for all of you to have a "Cheryl" in your life! She is a true joy to work with…and a forever-friend.

How did you become interested in calligraphy?

I guess it's always just been a part of me. I created my own greeting cards as a child, rewrote my messy school notes to make the lettering more ‘perfect’, and hand lettered sayings and quotes I’ve collected for years. I’ve used hand lettering in the various jobs I’ve had, like designing campus signs/posters in college and signs in stores. To this day, I would rather hand-letter something than type it.

What inspires you most in art? In life?

I thrive on color, composition, and feeling. I love music. Beautiful spaces. Gardens. Designs and patterns. When I am surrounded by creative spaces and images my head just swims with ideas. In fact, my husband, Jeff, can get a little nervous when he hears me say “I have an idea…” because it could involve construction! I wake with ideas and drift off to sleep with ideas! I have pieces of paper everywhere with ideas sketched down. Now, if I just had a little more time to do more of them…!

What is your most favorite recent project?

At Gently Spoken, re-designing our new web site is my current favorite. This website conveys the same warmth and energy Cheryl's stores had. I am excited that it will reach so many people with affirmation and encouragement—something that is the heart of every book and the reason Cheryl’s company exists.

Personally, I have been planning, designing, and constructing a new studio for the last few years. This has been a long labor of love! For starters, the furniture and walls are all painted different colors. I just love to design spaces, so I am really looking forward to letting the studio evolve into a place that inspires!

Where is your favorite place to work? Outside? Late at night?

Because of the technical aspects of the Peas books, I need to work in my studio with good lighting, surfaces, tools and space. I often work for long stretches of time— especially when deadlines loom! Much of my time is spent on the computer, with proofing and printing issues.

What is your favorite book in the Eat Your Peas Collection?

Actually, it's hard to pick a favorite, because, like children, you love them all for their own unique qualities! But I will say Gardeners is a favorite because I love gardening and Birthdays because it's so fun and whimsical.

What’s your favorite EYP story about someone who received or gave one of the books?

People send us the most heartwarming stories about how the peas books have touched them! But I have to say the one that still touches my heart the most is how Eat Your Peas came to be as a result of Cheryl reaching out to her young friend Maddy. It was exciting to be there as we began to dream about reaching more people with the words that helped Maddy so much, and that now help countless others know they are loved.

What is the most challenging part of each new book?

Coming up with new colors that allow each book to be distinct. Also, working with the printing process keeps us on our toes, because it’s not always possible to end up with the precise color you had your heart set on. We work with an amazing company, Ideal Printers, whose patience we test regularly!

When I first started illustrating and hand-lettering Cheryl’s books, the process reminded me of raising children…
Early sketching is like labor and birth. You are becoming acquainted with the words and forming images in your mind of what the pages will be. This stage is painful at times, yet somewhat easier with each book/child~ or at least you know what to expect! Final sketches are like babies, toddlers, and kids…a fun time. You are feeling good about your plan, still in pencil, still changeable. And then there are finals in ink, with all the intensity of the teen years. Hold that pen steady… and “walk lightly in the studio, I’m doing finals!” By the time we are into the printing process (proofing, press checks, etc.) it’s like sending kids off to college, complete with the twinge of loss and a parent’s hope their gifts will make a difference out in the world. And that is my parting wish for every book— every loving line and pen stroke—that someone will feel encouraged and treasured in new ways.